In mid-September, France Football released the 50-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.
Since 2007, the award has expanded its scope to a global scale — but even so, it still predominantly favors European players.
Call it arrogance or call it well-deserved — either way, that's just how it is.
The final list featured players from 22 football clubs, with names such as Šuker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Kaká, Ronaldinho, Totti, Pirlo, Fabregas, and many others.
But the heavy favorite for the award?Only one man — Šuker.
Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaká also had a strong chance, with plenty of support.
Ballon d'Or Voting System:
Voters: Media representatives from the top 100 national football associations.
Each votes for 5 players in order.
From September onward, the voting frenzy had already begun.
Many journalists revealed their picks during interviews, and the same few names consistently rose to the top:
Of course, public perception played a role — and Italian media was heavily promoting Šuker as their #1 choice.
No surprise there — that was all Berlusconi's doing.
He had promised to help Šuker win the Ballon d'Or — and he wasn't going to go back on his word.
Meanwhile, Šuker also had his sights set on the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
However, this was a different award, run by a different organization (FIFA), with its ceremony held later — typically between January and February.
But for now, Šuker's immediate goal was the Ballon d'Or.
With Milan's main players returning from international duty, the Serie A resumed.
Despite injuries to Pirlo and Kaká, AC Milan faced Siena.
Even without two key men, Milan still triumphed 2–1, thanks to Šuker's incredible drive.
He delivered two assists, with Inzaghi and Gattuso scoring the goals.
Despite the win, the media remained skeptical about Milan's future.
Compared to last season, the team's form had clearly dropped.
And with the added burden of injuries and upcoming Champions League fixtures, Milan's pressure was mounting.
Inside the club, there were also staff changes.
Not in the coaching or player lineup — but finally, the long-vacant Team Manager position was filled.
And the person taking over was quite unique...
A Female Team Manager — Barbara!
Yes — Barbara Berlusconi, the daughter of club president Silvio Berlusconi.
You could say she was the "Princess of Milan."
Having completed her studies, Barbara was now placed inside the AC Milan structure by her father — serving as Team Manager.
She was highly motivated, and most importantly — she loved football.
It didn't hurt that Milan was full of good-looking guys, either.
Lately, Barbara had been lingering in the medical room a lot — supposedly checking on Kaká's injury.
But she just happened to stroll in way too often.
Meanwhile, Pato had started showing up frequently too...
Not for medical reasons — just to flirt.
Honestly, Šuker was impressed by Pato.
Even dared to hit on the boss's daughter!
Pato was constantly trying to impress Barbara — but sadly, she was a looks-first kind of girl and didn't seem very interested.
Still, Pato believed sincere effort would win her over.
Šuker watched as Pato finished showering, dressed in stylish clothes, pulled out some cologne, and sprayed it violently under his armpits.
"What a mutt," Šuker muttered.
"A bold mutt, though."
They slapped hands —First time they ever agreed on something.
"You should stay away from her," Inzaghi advised kindly.
Even if Pato somehow succeeded, Berlusconi would never approve.
Šuker agreed silently — he knew that all too well.
"You guys are just jealous!" Pato declared proudly.
"Barbara is elegant, beautiful, and cultured!"
"This dumb mutt... sees everyone as 'perfect,'" Šuker grumbled.
As Pato strutted out of the room, even Gattuso — usually carefree — sighed:
"Should we... stop him?"
For Gattuso to say that meant Pato had gone too far.
"No need. He won't succeed anyway," said Inzaghi.
But Šuker wasn't so sure.
"You really think he can't succeed?"That's not guaranteed...
The Champions League was about to begin.
As the two-time defending champions, AC Milan drew massive attention.
Especially now, with their injuries and fluctuating form — their group opponents were sharpening their knives.
This year, Milan landed in Group E:
That's a group with the champions of Italy, Germany, and France, plus a Scottish powerhouse.
A true Group of Death. The source of this content ɪs N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Milan was already in trouble — now it got worse.
But they had no choice — they had to fight through it.
September 20th:Milan's UCL opener — an away match against Lyon.
Two seasons ago, they'd faced Lyon in the UCL —a draw away and a home win had secured their progression.
Lyon saw Milan's aging roster and injury list — and were feeling ambitious.
They admitted Milan was strong before...
But now? Who knows how much fight is left?
Šuker is incredible — sure.
But can one man carry an entire team?
Lyon believed that with the right game plan, they could win — especially at home.
Milan's camp was also preparing.
"Lyon will definitely try to lock down Šuker," said Ancelotti.
"Our job is to amplify his impact."
Šuker sat quietly — unfazed.
Ever since rising to fame, he'd gotten used to being marked — and figuring out how to break free.
"Both flanks need to support Šuker constantly — keep pressing their back line!"
Ancelotti sighed after giving the tactical talk.
The plan was solid —But execution?
Left wing was usually Kaká.Right wing, Seedorf.
Now, Kaká was injured.
And with Pirlo out, Seedorf had to shift to defensive midfield.
Gilardino was forced to play on the wing.Brocci took the other side.
Ancelotti could only sigh.
If Pato were a little older, at least they'd have another weapon.
But the kid couldn't play until January.
"That's the tactical setup. Get ready — we leave for Lyon tomorrow morning."
That evening, Kaká came over for dinner.
But he seemed… a little off.
He knew exactly how bad things were for Milan.
With both himself and Pirlo sidelined, the burden now fell directly on Šuker.
Šuker had been carrying the team for a while now —Kaká had hoped to share the load.
It seemed like he was just dragging things down.
He felt frustrated. Guilty.
He needed to speed up his transformation —Grow stronger.Help Šuker.Ease the pressure.
"Not tasty? I'll just take it away then."
Kaká suddenly started eating like a man possessed — spoon flying everywhere.
Šuker rolled his eyes.
"This idiot's definitely overthinking things again."